4.3 km | 4.6 km-effort
You probably noticed it already, chocolate is another typical product from Bruges (and from Belgium as a whole). Anyone of the small shopping streets near the historical centre has at least one chocolate shop, offering especially the well-known ''Belgian Chocolates'' (here known as ''pralines''). Chocolates can sometimes become real artworks!
The word ''praline'' is used quite differently in areas or countries such as Belgium, France, Québec or Louisiana (USA), to identify totally different chocolate or bakery products. The Belgian ''Praline'', small chocolate miniatures filled with different creams, fruit pastes, liquors or other fillings, was created in 1912 by the Belgian confectioner of Swiss origin Jean Neuhaus, who first produced it. The word derives from the horticulture term ''praliner'' in French (= surrounding the roots of a plant with some kind of protective layer), and not at all from the name of French Earl of Plessis-Praslin. Belgian ''pralines'', better-known as ''Belgian Chocolates'', are without any doubt the most famous chocolate product from Belgium: it is exported to the four corners of the world, or is produced by local branches of Belgian producers in foreign countries.
Bruges also harbours its own chocolate museum, known as 'Choco-Story'. Step in to learn about the history of cocoa and chocolate, from the Mayas in Southern America through the Spanish 'conquistadores' and up to the present chocolate art... ''Pralines'' are prepared on the spot, and offered for tasting. You also find in the museum a chocolate shop, where you can choose from a large selection of original products.
At a mere five minutes walking distance from the museum, the newly-opened thematic 'Choco-jungle bar' proposes you to enjoy all kinds of chocolate products. The 'bar' is located at 'Vlamingstraat' 31.
There is also a yearly chocolate festival held in Bruges ('Choco-Laté'). The official Belgian Chocolate from Bruges is the 'Brugsch Swaentje' (Little Swan of Brugge), the receipt of which is still kept secret...
'Choco-Story'
Wijnzakstraat, 2 (Sint-Jansplein)
8000 Brugge
32 (0)50 / 61 22 37
info@choco-story.be
www.choco-story.be
Opening times:
daily, 10.00 > 17.00 (July & August > 18.00)
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